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BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS 



Its Cause, Symptoms and Treatment 



BY 



GEORGE T. HOWLAND, M, D. 



Faxrvicw Farm 



Norwichtown, Connecticut 



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BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS 



Its Cause, Symptoms and Treatment 



BY 



GEORGE T. ROWLAND, M. D. 



Fairview Farm 



Norwichtown, Connecticut 



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The Waters Press* Norwich, Conn. 



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Bovine Tuberculosis. 



^here is no one subject in all human and Veterinary tnfedl' 
cine that is so important to mankind as the disease of Tuber- 
culosis, and no one subject in veterinary medicine that has 
caused so much discussion and difference of opinion as Bovine 
Tuberculosis. Various n^mes have been given to this disease, 
as Tuberculosis, Phthisis Pulmonalis, Consumption, the Wast- 
ing Disease, the White Plague in the human, while in the bovine 
itisspokenof as Grape Disease, Pearl Disease, Wasters, Piuers, 
Snorters, according as the lungs, bowels, or glands of the throat 
were attacked. Many cases of so-called Wens or Clivers and 
swellings in the udder are undoubtedly of a tuberculosis nature. 

Hardly any warm blooded animals are exempt from it. It 
is caused by a germ, the Bacillus Tuberculosis, discovered by 
Dr. Robert Koch (Berlin, Germany, ) in 1883. The germ having 
once entered the system, and all things being equal, that is, 
there is a certain spot in the bod}'- that is "sick," below "par," 
which may form the seat of the disease, and from which spot 
the germs may be manufactured, so to speak, and go forth to 
attack and locate in other parts of the body. 

This germ can be and is transmitted from human beings to 
animals and vice versa. 

These germs are not visible to the naked eye, and can only 
be seen with the aid of a microscope. They appear in the hu- 
man as little rods, very fine, and often bent or curved, and have 
the average length of nearly one-half the diameter of a human 
red blood corpuscle, or 1-7000 of an inch in diameter. When 
stained they often present a beaded appearance, which some 
have attributed to the presence of spores. The spores of germs 
are the immature forms, or the parent cells, from which germs 
are developed. 

With the basic aniline dyes the germ stains slowly, except 
at a temperature of 98° to 100^ F., but retains the dye after 



4 
treatment with acids, a characteristic which separates it from 
all other known forms of germs, with the exception of the germs 
of I^eprosy. 

Dr. Koch found that these germs would only grow under 
certain definite conditions. As soon as he found in the sputum 
any tubercles (the tubercle is the diseased spot caused by the 
presence of the tubercular germ,) it became necessary to ascer- 
tain whether they were the actual cause of the disease or only 
happened to grow after the disease had become established. 

To determine this point some of these germs were grown in 
glass tubes containing a mixture of gelatine and broth, and 
were kept in them at a regular temperature of about 99° F., for 
some weeks. On this nutrient medium the germs grew, and 
after a time the appearance they presented was that of a gray 
membrane extending over the surface. Some of the germs 
were then taken from these glass tubes and planted in other 
glass tubes and grown under similar conditions. 

This was repeated a number of times, so that there was no 
possibility of any other germs being present in the last tubes. 

A number of germs were taken from one of the last tubes, 
and introduced into the body of a healthy animal ; in some cases 
they were injected under the skin; in other cases they were in- 
jected into the veins or abdomen ; and in others, again, the 
germs Vv^ere mixed with the food given to the animals. 

The result was that in the course of a short jDcriod, a month 
or two, the animals were killed and a post mortem examination 
made, revealing the presence of the disease in various parts of 
the body, containing the same sort of germs as inoculated. 

These experiments established the fact that these germs are 
the cause of Tuberculosis, both in the human and bovine fam- 
ilies. 

The following are among the chief accessory causes : 

HEREDITY. 

Tuberculosis may be inherited, but in what way and how 
often are unsettled problems. The rarity with which it occurs 
may be gathered from the fact that out of 15,500 calves killed 
at the Berlin slaughter house there were only four calves that 
had Tuberculosis. 

This would seem to prove that neither the sire or dam, if 



5 
affected with Tuberculosis, br.s the powerof transmitting direct 
the disease to their offspring. And studies and experiments 
along these lines seem to prove this to be so, but there is no 
question, to our way cf thinking, that where the parents are 
tuberculous, either one or both, if they do not transmit the germ 
direct to the foetus, they do transmit a constitutional tendency 
especially favorable to the growth of this germ when introduced 
into the bodj\ 

Therefore, under these conditions, we would consider it 
wise not to breed animals that are known to have Tuberculosis, 
thereby stamping out the disease all the more rapidly. 

CI.IMATIC INFIvUENCE. 
We do not believe that any climate is exempt from the dis- 
ease, but there is no question but what high, dry climate, with 
plenty of sunshine has a deterrent effect upon the growth of the 
germ, and therefore, to a certain extent, a controlling influence 
for good is exerted. 

GEOLOGICAL CONDlTlONvS. 
It has been claimed that Tuberculosis is due to a large ex- 
tent to the soil. That this may hold a certain amount of truth 
we do not wish to deny, but the soil must have been inoculated 
with the germ of Tuberculosis first, and w'e believe that if the 
soil is not inoculated, the chance of contracting the disease from 
the soil is slight. 

INFLUENCE OF FOOD. 
Some observers claim that certain foods render the system 
particularly favorable for the disease of Tuberculosis. The 
only way we believe this can occur is to introduce the germ in 
the food. 

BARNS OR HOUSING. 

Statistics show that animals kept in barns ill ventilated and 
devoid of the direct rays of the sun have more Tuberculosis 
than animals living in the open air. 

The unhygienic conditions that are always found in badly 
constructed, ill lighted, (by sunlight,) ill aired barns are only 
a means by which the germs are kept alive, and thus become a 
factor in producing Tuberculosis. 



All dairymen are aware that their animals do better, eat 
better, digest their food better, and give more milk in good, 
clean, bright surroundings (barns) than can be secured under 
reverse conditions. Pure air is necessary for the good health 
of every animal, and especially necessary for the working ani- 
mals. ' 

To command this feature, a certain amount of air space 
must be allotted to each animal. This amount of " air space " 
varies to a certain extent with regard to the size of the animal. 
Figures have been submitted from time to time as to the amount 
of air space necessary for cow barns when situated in country 
or cities, and in accord with the size of the animal. 

(It is no place to keep cows in the confines of a city. It 
should be proscribed by law.) 

One should not build a barn for the housing of cows unless 
he has air space enough to allot to each animal. The rule has 
been that the minimum air space allowed for each animal should 
correspond to one cubic foot for each pound weight of the ani- 
mal's body, and we think it would enhance the good health of 
the animals if they were given two cubic feet of air space, in- 
stead of but one cubic foot. 

We know of barns where large herds are kept, where the 
latter space has been given to each animal, and with plenty of 
sunlight admitted. This herd is never sent to pasture. It is 
turned out once a day, in suitable weather, into a paddock ad- 
joining the cow barn, for a few hours only. 

Every precaution known to science is observed in keeping 
all disease out of this herd, especially Tuberculosis. Whenever 
any new stock are added they are not placed with the herd un- 
til after they have been subjected to a thorough examination 
and tested out with the " Tuberculine Test." 

They are studied, the milk is examined by the microscope 
as well as by the Babcock Test. Cultures are made of their 
dung for the germs of Tuberculosis. Cultures are also taken 
from the mouth, and blood counts are made. 

They are detained in what is called the " observation barn " 
from four to six weeks, regardless of any certificate of health 
that accompanies the animals, before they are allowed to be 
placed with the herd. 



7 

The expense attending all this is of some amount, but no- 
where near what one would imagine, and as the proprietor said, 
*' I was cleaned out once by Tuberculosis, and I am taking no 
chances again." They were all thoroughbred cattle. 

How soon Bovine Tuberculosis would be wiped out if all 
would follow these methods. 

Where cattle with Tuberculosis have been confined in sta- 
bles, and where the stalls are made of wood and no disinfectant 
used, the surrounding wood work is more or less impregnated 
with the germs, and we have made cultures from such places 
and always found the germs. 

One will observe that in discussing the causes of Tubercul- 
osis, as given above, there has run through them all but one 
cause, that of 

CONTAGION, 

And that has been through the admittance of the Tuber- 
culous germ into the body where, under favorable conditions, 
it has inoculated the entire system. 

With the knowledge that we have today as to the causes of 
Tuberculosis and its effects, as compared with what w^e knew 
thirty years or twenty years ago, it will be admitted that \ve 
have made great advancement toward the stamping out of this 
disease, but we are not there yet, and it behooves all to do all 
they can to add their "mite" in helping and aiding all they 
know how to wipe this dread disease from off the face of the 
earth. 

Statistics show that in the past fort}^ years Tuberculosis of 
the Lungs in man has diminished by about 38%, but that 
during the same period Tuberculosis of the Bowels has only 
diminished b}^ less than 5%. Dr. Wm. H. Parks of the New 
York City Health Department reports that 40% of bottle-fed 
infants die from Tuberculosis. 

The high percentage of Tuberculosis of the Bowels is un- 
doubtedly caused by admittance of the germ from tuberculous 
milk in the larger per cent of these cases. For milk nowadays 
is largely used as a food for children, and it is from this source 
that the mortality is so large. 



SYMPTOMS, 
It is suprising how few physical signs are present in Tuber- 
culosis of cattle. This undoubtedly is due to the fact that the 
animal has strong resisting powers, and does not give signs of 
having the disease until the invasion of the system is complete. 
If the lungs are affected, then there will be a cough, rapid 
breathing, pulse rapid, rise in temperature, nose drj^ " off their 
feed." Auscultation will generally reveal the condition of the 
lungs. 

When the disease is located in the digestive or alimentary 
tract, there is more or less disturbance of the digestion, and 
generally there is a persistant diarrhoea. 

When the udder becomes the seat of the disease, there will 
be found more or less inflammation, with hardness or tumor, 
and often blood is found in the milk. This hardness may grow 
until the quarter is useless and the entire gland becomes in- 
volved in this manner and cannot secrete milk. 

How can we tell positively that the animal has Tubercul- 
osis, or, in other words, diagnose the case? 

There are two methods that can be employed, namely ; by 
the microscope and by the injection of tuberculine. 

By the use of the microscope in the examination of the cul- 
tivations of the germs which have been cultivated upon steril- 
ized mediums, which have been inoculated by specimens from 
the suspected animal, if possible in collecting some of the dis- 
charge coughed up from the lungs or air passages, or taken 
from the food or from the dung, if the disease is situated in the 
bowels, from the milk, if the udder be infected. 

These germs, if properly stained, will be shown under the 
microscope. They are almost always found, if present, at an 
early stage of the disease, in the dung, as cows generally swal- 
low what they dislodge from the air passages and lungs, though 
in some cases these germs have been found on the food by some 
observers. 

THE TUBERCULIN TEST. 
Tuberculin was discovered by Dr. Robert Koch of Berlin, 
in 1890, and was first used experimentally in treating Tuber- 
culosis in man. In these cases it was found that its injection 
was followed by a rise of the body temperature, which led 



9 

veterinarians to apply tuberculin to suspected animals to see if a 
similar reaction resulted. Numerous experiments showed this 
to be the case, and since 1891 the use of tuberculin as a diag- 
nostic agent for Tuberculosis of cattle has been almost univer- 
sally adopted in all parts of the civilized world. No one thinks 
of accepting tuberculin as an absolutely infallible remedy, but it 
is more dependable than any other method that has been used 
up to the present time. 

Tuberculin is the sterilized and filtered glycerine extract 
of cultures of tubercle germs. It contains the cooked products 
of the growth of these germs, but not the germs themselves. 
Therefore, when the tuberculin is injected under the skin of an 
animal, it is absolutely unable to produce Tuberculosis, cause 
abortion, or effect the milk, or otherwise injure the animal. In 
fact, if the injected animal is of normal health, there is no more 
effect upon the system than would be observed from the injec- 
tion of sterilized water. If, on the other hand, the animal is 
tuberculous, a decided rise of temperature is observed after 
the use of the tuberculin. 

The method of applying the tuberculin is as follows, or 
that is the method that we use. Twenty-four hours before we 
inject the animal we take the temperature every two hours, so 
as to get the normal readings of temperature. We select for 
the point of injection a spot just behind the right fore shoulder. 
We clip the hairs with a horse clipper about the size of a silver 
dollar, wash thoroughly with soap and hot water, and disinfect 
it with a 5% vSulpho Napthol solution. The hands being dis- 
infected as well as the sponge, pick up the skin between fore 
finger and thumb, and inject the tuberculin. The time of in- 
jection that we practice is at 10 a. m., and we always use the 
freshly prepared product, although it is stated that tuberculin 
wil keep indefinitely if put up in dark colored bottles and stood 
in a dark place. For our part, we prefer to take no chances, 
and thus get the best possible results. 

We commence to take temperatures after the injection of the 
tuberculin, at 5 a. m., the next morning, and continue at inter- 
vals of every two hours until 12 midnight, which covers a time 
of nineteen hours. Some of our knowing friends say that it 
is not necessary, and is too much work, but it is much harder 
to lose a good herd than it is to do this work. 



lO 

We have found that the normal temperature varies in 
healthy cows from ioo° to 101.5° F- ^^Q average is about 100.5° 
F. Any cow whose temperature is elevated by the injection 
from 1}^° to 2° F., is immediately removed from the herd and 
placed in the isolation barn, and is retested with tuberculin at 
the end of thirty days. In the interval a specimen is taken 
from her dung and cultivated on Ggg media tubes, and exam- 
ined for the tuberculosis germ. If the animal reacts and the 
germs are found, she is killed. 

There are two other methods which have been proposed to 
find out if a cow has Tuberculosis, with the technique of which 
we are not familiar. One is the method of von Piquet, termed 
the " Cuti " reaction, in which the skin is scarified and the tu- 
berculin applied. The other is the method of the " Wolff-Eis- 
ner and Calmette," termed the "Ophthalmo" reaction, in 
which the tuberculin is applied to the eye. 

Perhaps these methods may be of use, especially where the 
ignorance of the owner of the herd objects to having his cows 
tested by injections of tuberculin. Then, in such cases, any 
method that will prove the presence or non-presence of the dis- 
ease should be used. 

THE VAI.UE OF THE TUBERCUI.IN TEST. 

By the use of tuberculin an accurate diagnosis can be made 
in over 97 per cent, of the animals tested. 

The Bureau of Animal Industry, of the United States Agri- 
cultural Department, reports that in fifteen years, from 1893 to 
to 1908, experiments by federal, state, and other ofi5cers with 
tuberculin prepared by the Bureau of Animal Industry show 
that out of 24,784 reacting cattle slaughtered, the disease of 
Tuberculosis was found in 24,387, a percentage of 98.39. 

There are two classes of cattle where an error may be made 
in diagnosis. 

The first class contains those that are tuberculous, but 
which do not react either because of the slight effect of the usu- 
ally prescribed dose of tuberculin, or an advanced case of the 
disease with so much of the poison of Tuberculosis in her sys- 
tem, or on account of a previous test with tuberculin having 
been made within the last four or six weeks. 



II 

The second class includes those that are not tuberculous 
but which show an elevation of temperature as a result of : 

ist. Cow being with calf and within a month of calv- 
ing. 

2nd. Cow being in heat. 

3rd. Such diseases as Imflammation of the Lungs, 

Intestines, Womb, Udder, Abortion, Retention of Afterbirth, 

Indigestion. 

4th. Improper stabling, unhygienic surroundings. 
5th. Any change in the method of feeding, watering, 

or stabling of the animal during the test. 

Still, in spite of all these errors, the results of thousands of 
tests show that in less than 3 per cent, of the cases tested do 
these failures actually occur. 

In the first class of cases, the error of diagnosis may be 
reduced to a minimum by careful examination ; and if the 
animal has been subjected to a previous test by tuberculin 
within the past four or six weeks, then the amount of the 
tuberculin injected should be increased to twice or three times 
the standard amount, and the temperature reading noted every 
54 to I hour after injection, and continued for 19 or 20 hours. 

In the second class of cases, error can be avoided by 
throwing out the conditions named above. Then in reading 
" after temperatures," it is advisable not to recognize as a reac- 
tion an elevation of temperature less than i>4^ or 2° F.. or one 
which at the same time does not go above 103.8° F. , and the temper- 
ature curve must have the characteristic curve. A fresh prep- 
aration of tuberculin must be used and an accurate, self-regis- 
tering thermometer, and the thermometer must be retained in 
the rectum from two to four minutes. A good aseptic syringe, 
with a strong, sharp needle, that will hold a sufficient amount 
of the tuberculin must be used. Then, when the veterinary 
makes the post mortem examination, have him especially 
examine the lymph glands. 

If these points are carefully carried out, errors will become 
less and less in establishing the presence of Bovine tuberculosis. 

Mohler, in the 24th Annual Report of the Bureau of Animal 
Industrj^ says : " That the low percentages of failures being 
the case, cattle owners should welcome the tuberculin test, not 



12 

only for their own interest, but for the welfare of the public as 
well. Where this method of diagnosing the disease has been 
adopted tuberculosis is gradually being eradicated, while it is 
spreading rapidly and becoming widely disseminated in those 
districts where the tuberculin test has not been employed. With- 
out its use the disease cannot be controlled, and the cattle 
owner is confronted by serious and continuous losses; with its 
use the disease can be eradicated from the herd, a clean herd 
established, and the danger of its spreading to men removed. 
Tuberculin, may, therefore be considered a most beneficial dis- 
covery for the stock raiser. Strange to say, many of these men 
have been incredulous, antagonistic, or prejudiced against the 
tuberculin test by misinterpreting published statements, by 
incorrect, unsubstantiated, or exaggerated reports, and by 
alleged injurious effects to healthy cattle." 

I^aw states, in the Text Book of Veterinary Medicine, vol. 
4, pp. 458, 465 : " Many stock owners still entertain an igno- 
rant and unwarranted dread of the tuberculin test. It is true 
that when recklessly used by ignorant and careless people it 
may be made a root of evil, yet as employed by the intelligent 
and careful expert it is not only safe, but it is the only known 
means of ascertaining approximately the actual number affected 
in a given herd. In most infected herds, living under what are 
in other respects good hygienic conditions, two-thirds or three- 
fourths are not to be detected without its aid, so that in clearing 
a herd from tuberculosis, and placing both herd and products 
above suspicion, the test becomes essential. In skilled hands 
the tuberculin test will show at least nine-tenths of all cases of 
tuberculosis when other methods of diagnosis will not detect 
one-tenth." 

Nocard and lyeclainche, in I^es Maladies Microbrennes des 
Animaux, vol. 2, p. 85, say that: "Direct experiments and 
observations collected by thousands show that the tuberculin 
injections have no unfavorable effects. With healthy animals 
the system is indifferent to the inoculation ; with tuberculous 
animals it causes only slight changes, which are not at all 
serious." 

Salmon, in the Year Book of the United States Department 
of Agriculture, 1901, p. 592, has this to say in regard to the 
tuberculin test : 



13 

" ist. That the tuberculin test is a wouderfully accu- 
rate luethod of determining whether an animal is afftcted 
with tuberculosis. 

"2ad. That by the use of tuberculin the animals dis- 
eased with Tuberculosis may be detected and removed from 
the herds, thereby eradicating the disease. 

"3rd. That tuberculin has no injurious effect upon 
healthy cattle. 

" 4th. That the comparatively small number of cattle 
which have aborted, suffered in health, or fallen off in con- 
ditions after the tuberculin test were either diseased before 
the test was made, or were effected by some cause other than 
the tuberculin. 

Dr. A. D. Melvil, Chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry 
of the United States Department of Agriculture, in the 24th 
Annual Report, page 211, says, on the Reliability of theTuber- 
culin Test: 

"There has been considerable incredulity with reference to 
the tuberculin test, particularly among those opposed to the 
movement to stamp out the disease, but the statements of such 
persons should not be given serious consideration, except as 
they may be the means of prejudicing the uninformed against 
the tests. There is no more reliable diagnostic agent than 
properly prepared tuberculin inthe hands of the careful observer. 
The reports received by the Bureau of Animal Industry from 
the state officials from all parts of the United States of tests 
made by competent veterinarians absolutely confirm this state- 
ment It is understood, of course, that tuberculin should 

be administered by a reliable veterinarian, and that in addition 
to the test a physical examination should be made of the cattle. 
That impotent tuberculin has been on the market is a fact 
which has been demonstrated by the Bureau, and at its request 
Congress gave to it authority to make tests of tuberculin, vac- 
cines, and similar products found on the market, and to publish 
results. Such tests are now being made, and if an}- inferior 
agents are found public notice of the fact will be given. The 
use of worthless tuberculin may to some degree have been the 
means of prejudicing some veterinary practitioners, as well as 
other persons, against the use of any tuberculin." 



14 

With such an array of expert testimony in favor of the use 
of tuberculin in diagnosing the disease of Tuberculosis in cat- 
tle, it seems hardly possible that any objection could be raised 
against the use of the tuberculin test. It certainly can only be 
justified on the part of ignorance of the most depraved kind. 

TREATMENT OF BOVINE TUBERCUI.OSIS. 

Here we are at fault, more so than we are with the human 
family, for there are cases on record that where the disease is 
taken in time it can be arrested, and to all intents and purposes 
cured, in the human. 

It is almost a hopeless task to cure the disease in the bo- 
vine, when once established. The simplest and most expensive 
is to destroy the animals thus afflicted. 

When animals are destroyed for this disease the best way 
to dispose of the carcasses is by burning them up. If they are 
disposed of in the usual way, by burial in the ground, then 
such precautions should be taken that no possible infection 
could come from the disintegration, as it is claimed that earth 
worms can carry the spores of tuberculous germs, and deposit 
them on the surface. A pit not less than eight to ten feet deep 
should be dug, and plenty of "quicklime" thrown over the 
carcass. It is also wise to select some remote spot for burial, 
which cattle cannot get at. Some go so far as to fence in such 
burial spots, and treat the ground with a strong solution of 
Bi-Chloride, at intervals, for four or five months. 

It is stated that 25 per cent, of all stabled cows have tuber- 
culosis, and, such being the case, what treatment known today 
will effect a cure ? 

There have, however, been some very important steps made 
in the direction of eradicating this disease from the bovine 
race, which, although in the initial stage, hold some reasonable 
consideration of ultimate success. 

Tuberculosis can be prevented. To accomplish this it is 
necessary to keep tuberculous animals from entering the 
healthy herds. If they are admitted, and later the fact is dis- 
covered, it is necessary to remove them and to thoroughly dis- 
infect the stable. Of the methods for the control of Tubercul- 
osis in cattle, the one introduced by Prof. Bang of Copenhagen 
Denmark, and generally known as the " Bang method," has 



15 
given a reasonable amount of success. It consists in slaughter 
of the advanced cases and the isolation of the reacting animals 
which show no evidence of the disease, and keeping them for 
breeding purposes. The calves are separated from their dams 
immediately after birth, and fed on the milk of healthy cows or 
the sterilized milk of the reacting ones. Of course, one readily 
sees that this is not the " perfect way," for there is the element 
of danger, infection that must exist from all reacting animals 
tested with tuberculin. 

The method of Prof. Ostertag of Berlin, Germany, a modi- 
fication of Bang's, demands a clinical examination of the herd 
and the elimination of animals with open Tuberculosis, since 
only these excrete the tubercle bacilli, and hence endanger the 
health}'^ animals. In a certain sense, Ostertag's method pre- 
supposes that a clinical examination will discover the really 
dangerous animals to such a degree that the results will be an 
efficient way to keep down the tuberculous dissemination. Also 
he demands a bacterial examination of the milk of a suspected 
single animal as well as the milk of the entire herd, and also 
the raising of calves on sterilized milk. Here again is the ele- 
ment of danger, from infecting the young stock, but no doubt 
it has a reasonable amount of worth, if due care is exercised. 

In 1901, Prof. Emil von Behring of Marburg, Germany, 
made known his Bovovaccine, for immunizing calves against 
Tuberculosis. He has already to his credit the discovery of 
the antitoxines of diphtheria and tetanus (lockjaw,) the value 
of which every practicing physician knows. 

Bovovaccine consists of attenuated human tubercle bacilli, 
in sterilized normal salt solution, retains its vitality from four 
to five weeks, and is harmless when introduced into cattle. 

Only healthy calves are to be treated ; those out of condi- 
tion should not be treated until they show good form. No cows 
in milk are to be bovovaccinated. 

The age for this treatment is between two and twelve weeks, 
though animals over three months and up to one year of age. 
that have passed a satisfactory tuberculin test, may be treated. 
Three or four days should elapse between the tuberculin test 
and the vaccination with bovovaccine. 

It is best to give a second treatment of the bovovaccine 



i6 

about twelve months after the first, as this strengthens immun- 
ity and extends the period of duration. Calves thus treated 
have not reacted to the tuberculin test from five to six years 
afterwards. 

This method of immunizing cattle has only been in vogue 
in this country for six years, and in Europe for a little over 
nine years, yet in both places cattle thus treated have notshown 
any symptoms of Tuberculosis when slaughtered. 

All calves and cows that are vaccinated should be kept 
away from tubercular cattle until four months have elapsed, as 
at the end of this time immunity has usually been established. 

Calves should be fed on Formaldehyde milk. This is 
made by adding abont fifteen drops of Formaldehyde to five 
teaspoonf uls of water or milk ; pour into a pail which will hold 
ten quarts, and milk directly into this pail. 

(This will also be found one of the best methods of treating 
scours in calves, and if along with the scours you have an 
unhealed navel the external application of a solution of 1-2500 
of Formaldehyde to the navel will hasten the cure. If this 
treatment is employed, be sure that you use Formaldehyde, and 
not Formalin.) 

The method of using Bovovaccine in animals is by injecting 
five immune units into the upper third of the cervical portion 
of the left jugular vein. The site of the operation is to be made 
as clean as possible, and washed with any good disinfectant 
agent. The S5'ringe is to be sterilized, as well as the hands of 
the operator, and the wound made by the hypodermic needle to 
be washed with the antiseptic fluid after the withdrawal of the 
needle, using due care that all air is driven out of the syringe 
before introducing the vaccine into the vein. The vaccine fluid 
should be warmed to blood heat before using. 

This vaccine is put up in sterilized glass tubes, a sufiicient 
amount for one dose, and is dispensed by C. Bischoff & Co. of 
New York, and by communicating with this company we have 
no doubt that thej'- will supply you with all the literature relat- 
ing to this most important subject, for we believe that it is 
important, and that Dr. von Behring has established a means 
of eradicating Bovine Tuberculosis, and . made a great step 



17 
ahead in eventually effecting a cure for those of the human 
race who are afflicted with Tuberculosis. 

We also believe that the time is not far distant when bovo- 
vaccine will be subcutaneously injected into cattle, and thus 
do away with the more delicate introvenous operation. Experi- 
ments along the line of subcutaneous injection do not seem to 
be much in vogue at present, although there are a few experi- 
ments under observation, and in proper time they will be 
reported. 

There is no doubt that a great interest has been awakened 
amongst breeders of cattle in the countries of the world by this 
method of treatment, as is shownby the articles that are printed 
in the daily and medical press of this and foreign countries, 
relating to this subject. 

And we deem it of so much value that we are adding some 
of the more important articles and extracts, for the benefit of 
those who are not fully informed upon this matter, and who 
may wish to derive further explanation and knowledge, viz.: 
Extract from the 51st Annual Report of the Trustees of the 

Northampton Insane Hospital, Northampton, Mass., for 

year ending Nov. 30th, 1906, 

" In this connection I would say that, by the recommenda- 
tion of the Cattle Bureau, we have been trying the inoculation 
of our calves with Bovovaccine, according to the so-called von 

Behring methods We have thus far vaccinated eleven 

calves. It is too early to make any report of the success of the 
method. All we can say is that no injurious effects whatever 
have been noted in any way of the calves so treated." 
Extract from 52nd Annual Report of the same institution, 

Nov. 30, 1907. 

" Last year's examination of our herd of cows showed the 
presence of tuberculosis to a considerable degree. All infected 
animals were separated from the sound ones. Many of the for- 
mer showed no physical signs of thedisease, and, when slaught- 
ered, were found to have but a few small glands infected. 
Twenty-seven new cows were bought, after they had been tested 
and had not reacted. Yet, when the annual test of the herd 
was made this fall, several of the new ones and one of the old 



herd reacted. That only one of the old herd reacted is eticOUf» 
aging, as it seems to show that the old herd is practically im- 
mune. We have inoculated 22 calves, and at the time of the 
test but one of these reacted, and the reaction in this case was 
doubtful. Consequently we feel that we have a nucleus for a 
herd that will be free from tuberculosis." 

Extract from Lecture delivered by Dr. Klimmer before the 
Society for Physiology and Medical Science, at Dresden, 
Germany. (Miinchener med. Wochenschrift, 1907, No. 31.) 

" In the course of the last three years, 

about 400 calves were immunized without ill effects to the 
animals. Not taking into account the hypersusceptibility to 
tuberculin shown by subcutaneously vaccinated animals for the 
period of one year after vaccination, not one of the animals 
treated according to the von Behring method has reacted, 
while 33 to 40 per cent, of the control animals have become 
tuberculous every year. Since their immunization, ten of the 
calves were slaughtered because of other diseases ; they were 
found to be free from tuberculosis." 

From the St. Albans Daily Messenger, July 14, 1908, 

" H. H. Hill, proprietor of the Frederickhurst Farms, 
Swanton, has recently adopted the von Behring method, having 
had his young stock treated. This he will continue to do until 
he has built up an entirely immune herd, and all young stock 
at the farm will be subjected to the treatment. By this means, 
stock from his farm cannot carry any infection, nor can they 
become infected if introduced into a diseased herd." 

From the Vermont Standard, March 26, 1908. 

" Capt. Elton A. Smith, owner of the Cloudland Farms, 
who has one of the finest as well as one of the largest Jersey 
herds in the state of Vermont, has recently immunized seventy- 
five calves, and intends to continue as fast as the calves are oi 
proper age to immunize." 

J. H. Mead & Son, of the Marble Valley Stock Farm, Wes 
Rutland, Vermont, in a letter dated March 3, 1910, says : 

" About a year and a half ago we had seven heifer calves 
treated with Bovovaccine. They were tuberculin tested this 
winter, and the result was very gratifying to us, as there was 



19 
not tHe slightest sign of a reaction among tliem. We have had 
ID more treated this winter . . . -Would alsosay that we believe 
it is such a good thing, that no dairyman should be negligent 
enough not to use it. The calves all keep growing steadily, 
and we never had one miss a feed, or show any signs of being 
sick after receiving the treatment." 

The Cattle Commissioner of the state of Maine has this to 
say, in a letter dated January 8, 19 lo : 

'* During the past four years our experience with Bovovac- 
cine has been considerable, and I wish to assitre you that the 
results have been exceedingly satisfactory. The work of im- 
munization has been carried on in some of our worst infected 
herds, and I feel that it has been given a severe test. The re- 
sults have been such that it seemed a valuable adjunct in our 
work of eradicating tuberculosis ; consequently, at the last ses- 
sion of the lyCgislature a law was passed, providing Bovovac- 
cine free of charge to the breeders of this state. Many breeders 
are availing themselves of this opportunity to build up immune 
herds, and I trust the number will increase." 

REFERENCES. 

" The Extermination of Tuberculosis, Preservation of Milk, 
and Raising of Calves." A lecture delivered March 16, 1904, 
at the Agricultural Exhibition at Bonn, Germany, by Prof. Dr. 
von Behring. (This lecture, translated, can be procured by 
writing to C. Bischoff & Co., New York.) 

" Successful Results of Antituberculous Vaccination in 
Cattle." New York Medical Journal, January 6, 1906. 

" Annual Report of the Veterinary Institute of the Leipsic 
(Germany) University for 1905. by Prof. Dr. A. Eber. (C. Bis- 
choff & Co., Translation.) 

" The Tuberculin Test of Cattle for Tuberculosis," by Dr. 
John R. Mohler. Farmers Bulletin 351. 

" Tuberculosis of Cattle," by Drs. Salmon and Theobald 
Smith, Bureau of Animal Industry, Circular No. 170. 

" Relation of Bovine Tuberculosis to the Public Health," 
by Dr. Salmon, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bulletin No. 33. 

" The Tuberculin Test for Tuberculosis," by Dr. Salmon, 
Bureau of Animal Industry, Circular No. 79. 



20 

" Investigation Concerning Bovine Tuberculosis with Spe- 
cial Reference to Diagnosis and Prevention," by Dr. Salmon, 
Bureau of Animal Industry, Bulletin No. 7. 

" A Comparative Study of Tubercle Bacilli from Various 
Sources," by Drs. Mohler and Washburn, Bureau of Animal 
Industry, Bulletin No. 90. 

" Tuberculosis of the Food Producing Animals," by Dr. 
Salmon, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bulletin No. 38. 

" The Unsuspected but Dangerously Tuberculous Cow,* 
by Dr. Schroder, Bureau of Animal Industry, Circular No. 118. 
" Some Facts About Tuberculous Cattle," by Dr. Schroder, 
Year Book of Agriculture, 1908, page 217. 

"Experiments Concerning Tuberculosis," by Drs- 
Schweinitz, Dorset and Schroder, Bureau of Animal Industry, 
Bulletin No. 52, Parts i and 2. 

" Collective Studies from the Research Laboratory, Depart- 
ment of Health, City of New York," Dr. William H. Parks, 
Vol. 5, 1910. 

" Tuberculosis." Pathology and Differential Diagnosis of 
Infectious Diseases of Animals. Dr. V. A. Moore, 1908, pp. 
175 and 230. 

" Pure Milk and the Public Health," by Dr. A. R. Ward, 
1909, pp. 59 and 87. 

" The Prevention and Treatment of Diseases of the Domes- 
tic Animals," Dr. Kenelm Winslow, 1910, pp. 253 and 255. 



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